Though it is seldom a “simple” makeover, an attic conversion is tempting for those who wish to enhance the living space in their house without building on it. Unlike frequently gloomy and wet basements, Attics are drier, have plenty of natural light, and do not contain essential equipment such as furnaces and water heaters.

Is it a smart idea to remodel your attic?

If you want to obtain a high return on investment, you should consider certain house modifications before forking out money to finish your attic. This rings especially true for real estate investors, who will find that an attic project isn’t all that necessary to get a respectable ROI.

However, if you desire extra living space in your present house but don’t want to pack up and move to another home or area, completing your attic may be a good investment, even if you don’t fully recoup the expense. If you want to add a bedroom to your house so that each of your children has their own space, or if you’ve begun working remotely and need a dedicated home office, your attic might be the answer. Home offices, entertainment areas, studios, playrooms, or an extra bedroom or two are all common attic conversions.

1. How Is It Constructed?

Take a flashlight and look up there. If you notice a network of W-shaped trusses supporting your roof, disregard it. You could build an addition for less money than you could renovate this sort of attic. If, on the other hand, you discover rafters that create an A shape to support the roof, with free space beneath the rafters, you have a possible renovation option.

2. Take into consideration codes and safety.

Every attic is unique, but a few recognized standards and principles will guide your restoration.

Follow the “Rule of 7s”: While enforcement varies, most regulations require that at least half of a completed attic be at least 7 feet high and that this space is at least 7 feet wide and 70 square feet. A contractor or a local building authority can assist you in determining how the regulation will apply to your attic and how changes such as dormers might address height issues.

3. How is the Lighting?

The lighting in your current attic might assist you in deciding what you can do with it and how it has to be changed. Some attics just have one tiny window. Others don’t have any windows at all. If you have a completed attic, it may already be connected for artificial lighting. The challenge is to strike the proper balance between providing adequate illumination and making the area seem comfortable and functional.

Lighting is, for the most part, something that can be easily added. You could wish to include a skylight to get the most out of the natural light. You could opt to convert an existing window into one large enough to convert the attic into a bedroom. It may be as simple as installing more wiring for one or two more outlets to solve the problem.

4. Take Headroom Measurements

A cutaway ceiling breaks up a lengthy room with exposed crossbeams. Most construction standards demand a living room to be at least 7-1/2 feet tall, over 50% of the floor area. (For specifics, consult your local codes.) When calculating headroom, keep in mind the thickness of the finishing materials.

So, Should I?

If you’re still on the fence about whether or not an attic makeover is suitable for you, consider this. Consider that a close friend or family of yours who wanted more space had a whole room in the house that was nearly entirely unused. Would you advise them to see what they can do with it? Almost everyone would agree.

Bigger is always better when it comes to space. With over 40 years of industry experience, Incredible Homes provides one of the best attic conversion services in Houston! Get in touch with us today and schedule a free estimate on your property!